Hvar, Croatia

Hvar balances golden-stone towns, sheltered coves, vineyard roads, and just-enough nightlife. Base yourself in Hvar Town for boats and buzz, or in Stari Grad for heritage calm and value. You’ll spend days swimming the Pakleni Islands, biking the Stari Grad Plain, and watching sunset from Fortica’s ramparts.

This guide is practical first: ferry lines and prices, island buses and fares, sight tickets, cave fees, and local rules that matter in summer. Use the Quick Planner to orient, then dip into neighborhoods, itineraries, day trips, and logistics tailored for 2025.

Ready to plan your trip to Hvar? Skim, pick your base, and build a trip that fits your days.

Quick planner

• Base: Hvar Town (boats, dining, nightlife) or Stari Grad (heritage, quieter); Jelsa for families; Vrboska for couples.
• Trip length: 3–4 days for highlights; 5–7 with day trips.
• Don’t miss: Fortica (Španjola) sunset, Pakleni swim day, Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO).
• Rules: Summer 85 dB noise cap in Hvar Town; avoid walking town streets in swimwear/shirtless.
• When to go: Late May–June & September = best balance; July–Aug = peak buzz/price.
• Getting around: Walk + taxi-boats near Hvar Town; buses link hubs; scooter/car for south-coast coves

Top things to do in Hvar

Hvar blends heritage towns, cove-hopping, and easy island-hopping – ideal if you’re interested in the best things to do in Hvar or Hvar beaches and day trips.

1. Climb Fortica (Španjola) at golden hour. Ticket €10.
2. Wander Hvar Theatre & Arsenal, two icons over the harbor. €10 each.
3. Peek into Lođa-Leroj clocktower. €4.
4. Quiet hour at the Franciscan Monastery. €7.
5. Step inside Cathedral of St. Stephen. €2.
6. Boat-hop the Pakleni Islands for swims and a long lunch.
7. Explore Stari Grad lanes and harbor.
8. Bike the Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO), ancient Greek field grid.
9. Photograph Dubovica Beach’s stone hamlet.
10. Tour Grapčeva Cave (Humac): Mon/Wed/Sat 09:00, 15 Jun-15 Sep; €8 adult / €4 child; private €60.

Attractions table

Attraction	Why & Time	Access	Why it’s worth it
Fortica (Španjola)	• Sunset panorama • 45–75 min loop	• Walk up from Hvar Town • Road/upper lot	• Best view of town & Pakleni • Golden-hour photos
Theatre & Arsenal	• 30–45 min look-around • Rain-proof stop	• On main square above harbor	• One of Europe’s oldest public theatres • Double with Arsenal hall
Lođa–Leroj	• 15–30 min • Small exhibit	• Center, near square	• Clocktower character • Good quick stop
Franciscan Monastery	• 30–60 min cloister • Art highlight	• Flat seaside stroll	• Calm break from crowds • “Last Supper” painting
St. Stephen’s Cathedral	• 20–30 min	• Main square	• Facade & square vibe • Quick culture hit
Stari Grad Old Town	• 2–3 hrs wandering	• Bus/car from Hvar Town	• Venetian lanes & harbor • Value dining
Stari Grad Plain (UNESCO)	• 2–4 hrs bike	• Flat tracks from town	• Ancient Greek field system • Dry-stone walls
Pakleni Islands	• Half/full day swims • Lunch stops	• Taxi-boats from harbor	• Turquoise coves near base • Easy logistics
Dubovica Beach	• 2–4 hrs swim	• Scooter/car + path	• Postcard cove • Clear water
Grapčeva Cave (Humac)	• ~2 hrs tour	• From Humac village	• Prehistory + views • Summer schedule & cheap ticket

Neighborhoods & where to stay

Hvar’s stay-orbit starts with Hvar Town – the buzzy hub for dining, nightlife, and constant taxi-boats to the Pakleni Islands. It’s walkable and photogenic, with boutique hotels and polished apartments tucked behind the main square; expect peak-season prices and lively nights.

For calmer streets and better value, Stari Grad mixes Venetian-era lanes with waterside promenades and sits centrally for day trips – great if you’ll bus or drive around the island. Jelsa is the easygoing family base with beaches nearby and relaxed evenings, while Vrboska (“little Venice”) suits couples after marina views, morning coffees, and quiet nights.

If you’re chasing coves and wineries, look south to Zavala and Sveta Nedjelja – dramatic roads, stone hamlets, and pebbly bays; a scooter or car helps here. Sućuraj at the far east is a budget-friendly gateway via the Drvenik ferry, handy for early mainland hops.

As a rule of thumb: pick Hvar Town for boats and buzz, Stari Grad for heritage and value, Jelsa/Vrboska for family-friendly calm, and the south coast for wild-cove days. Wherever you stay, book parking with your lodging if you’re driving, and stay just outside the noisiest cores in July-August if you’re a light sleeper.

Quick list, choose by vibe, not distance

• Hvar Town – nightlife, boats, views
• Stari Grad – heritage, value, central
• Jelsa – family, beaches, relaxed
• Vrboska – romantic, quiet, marina
• Zavala/Sv. Nedjelja – wild coves, wineries
• Sućuraj – budget base, ferry access

Hvar Town

Lively harbor, dense dining/nightlife, and constant taxi-boats to Pakleni Islands. Walkable historic core; apartments and boutique hotels price highest in July-Aug; easiest without a car.

Editor picks:

Stari Grad

Oldest settlement; calm lanes, galleries, and waterside promenades. Great value, central for exploring by car/bike.

Jelsa

Family-friendly bay town with playgrounds, beaches nearby, and relaxed evenings. Good mid-range accommodation and straightforward day-trip logistics to both coasts.

Vrboska

Tiny “little Venice” of bridges and a marina; quiet nights, photogenic mornings; a couples’ favorite with small-scale stays

Perfect itineraries, from 1 day to 5+

Essentials: 1–3 Days in Hvar

Start in Hvar Town for immediate access to ferries, taxi-boats, and sunset viewpoints. Day 1 sets the scene on the main square and at Fortica. Day 2 is a no-rush Pakleni Islands swim-and-lunch loop. Day 3 contrasts the buzz with Stari Grad and a flat Stari Grad Plain bike, returning to Hvar Town for a late promenade.

1. Day 1: Hvar Town walk → Fortica sunset → cocktails.
2. Day 2: Pakleni by taxi-boat; pick a cove; long lunch; late return.
3. Day 3: Bus/car to Stari Grad; lanes + Plain by bike; harbor dinner.

Explorer: 2–5 Days (City + Nearby)

Keep Days 1-3, then add the south coast: Dubovica, Sv. Nedjelja viewpoints, and a tasting of Plavac Mali at a local konoba. Finish with a guided sunset kayak or SUP around the harbor and islets- calm waters, gold light, and easy logistics.

1. Day 4: Dubovica → south-coast viewpoints → winery dinner.
2. Day 5: Kayak/SUP golden hour; old-town restaurants.

Slow Travel: 5+ Days

With a week, fold in a speedboat day to Blue Cave (Biševo) and Vis bays, or a run to Bol (Brač) for Zlatni Rat. Leave one weather-flex day for wind shifts (Bora/Scirocco) and try the island high point, Sveti Nikola, for sea-to-sea views

1. Add: Blue Cave/Vis combo day or Bol (Brač).
2. Add: Hike Sveti Nikola; slow day in Vrboska.

Timing islands? Use our Ferries & Timetables hub for seasonal schedules and operators.

Itinerary table

Itinerary	Theme	Highlights	Pace	Who it’s for
3-day Highlights	First-timer mix	Fortica, Pakleni, Stari Grad	Moderate	Couples/friends
5-day Sampler	Beaches + wine	Dubovica, south coast, tastings	Easy-mod	Food & beach lovers
7-day Explorer	Island-hopping	Blue Cave or Bol; hike	Mod-active	Adventurous

Best day trips

Two easy archetypes: swim-first (Pakleni, Green/Blue lagoons) and heritage-first (Korčula Town, Vis). Sea conditions and daylight drive the call; always confirm last returns and ticket rules.

• Pakleni Islands – instant coves/lunch → taxi-boat from Hvar harbor.
• Blue Cave (Biševo) + Vis bays – glow photos + Stiniva → organized speedboat; entrance ticket 2025: €24 high / €18 off-season; kids 6–12 €12/€9; <6 free (paid on site).
• Bol (Brač) – Zlatni Rat beach → seasonal fast boats/tours.
• Korčula Town – walled lanes + wine → seasonal catamarans.
• Green Cave + Blue Lagoon combos – easy swim/snorkel loops → guided boats.

Day trips table

Destination	Travel Time	Highlights	Best For
Pakleni	10–25 min by taxi-boat	Turquoise coves, lunch piers	Everyone
Blue Cave (Biševo)	~1.5–2.5 h each way (tour loop)	Cave light, Vis stops	Photographers
Bol (Brač)	~1–2 h by fast boat	Zlatni Rat sand-spit	Beach day
Korčula Town	~1.5–2.5 h (seasonal)	Old-town walls, white wines	Culture lovers

Getting in & around

Hvar has fast passenger ships (Hvar Town) and a car ferry (Stari Grad). On-island, Čazmatrans buses link main towns; taxi-boats fan out from Hvar harbor; scooters/cars unlock south-coast coves. The most direct access to Hvar island is from the Croatian coastal cities of Dubrovnik and Split.

Quick list

• Catamaran (passengers): Split-Hvar fast ships daily in season.
• Car ferry: Split-Stari Grad for vehicles.
• Island buses: Hvar–Stari Grad-Jelsa–Vrboska all day (summer).
• Taxi-boats: Constant to Pakleni from Hvar harbor.
• Scooter/Car: Freedom for beaches & wineries.
• On foot: Towns are compact; coastal paths connect coves.

By Plane (via Split Airport)

Fly into Split (SPU), then transfer to the Split ferry port for catamaran/ferry connections.

• Airport ↔ Split bus station shuttle: €5 (official). Checked: Oct 2025

By Bus (Intercity/Local)

Čazmatrans operates the island routes; tickets purchased on the bus. 2025 timetable valid from 14.06.2025 lists frequent runs Hvar–Stari Grad–Jelsa–Vrboska, plus Sućuraj links. Price grid shows typical fares: Hvar ↔ Stari Grad €5.00, Hvar ↔ Jelsa €5.50, Hvar ↔ Vrboska €5.50; children ≤6 free.

Current prices (guide only):

• Hvar-Stari Grad: €5.00; Hvar-Jelsa: €5.50; Hvar-Vrboska €5.50 (buy from driver).
  Checked: Oct 2025 – verify on the official site.

(Intercity note: these are island routes; for mainland intercity buses use Split bus terminal resources.)

Ferries & catamarans

Seasonal catamarans link Hvar with islands and mainland; weather can affect schedules.

• Jadrolinija Fast Ship Line 641 (Split ↔ Hvar Town): Ticket €25; additional baggage €5/pc (seasonal PDFs show dates).
• TP Line 652 (Split ↔ Hvar): Multiple daily runs in seasonal windows; see 2025 PDF.

Examples:

• Split → Hvar Town (fast ship, ~1h–1h15) – check your date/sailing number. Jadrolinija
• Hvar Town → Split (fast ship, late returns vary by season). tp-line.hr
• Split → Stari Grad (car ferry; timetable separate on operator site).
• Jadrolinija Line 641: €25 per adult one-way; extra baggage €5.
• TP Line 652: price shown at checkout; time-band varies by season.
• Checked: Oct 2025 – verify on the official site.

(Note: For some ferry lines your ticket is valid for any departure on the printed date.)

Driving & parking

Hvar Town’s historic core is largely pedestrian and close-in spaces are limited in season. Plan to park just outside the center (Dolac area) and walk 5-10 minutes to the square/harbor. The local operator Hvar Parking d.o.o. runs several open-air lots near the core; you can pay at machines or via the Bmove app.

• Hvar Centar (Dolac 1) – closest to Old Town – ~200 m to the main square. €1.30/hour; €13.00/24 h. Fastest if you want minimal walking.
• Hvar Centar (Dolac 2) – short walk to the waterfront. €1.00/hour; €10.00/24 h. Good value near the core.
• Hvar Centar (Dolac 3) – ~5-minute walk. €0.60/hour; €5.00/24 h. Cheapest central option; easiest all-day choice in peak months.
• Payment & apps – Pay at the lot or with Bmove (iOS/Android/web) which auto-detects your zone and lets you buy hourly or daily tickets; you’ll get expiry reminders.
• Municipal/operations note – Hvar uses automated barriers/self-pay kiosks at city lots; a duty number is posted at exits if you need assistance.
• Quick tip – In July–August, arrive early and target Dolac 3 for the most forgiving day rate; if it’s full, step up to Dolac 2 or Dolac 1 for proximity. All three are run by the same operator and are signed on approach roads.

(Rates above are those shown by the operator https://hvarparking.com/ as of October 2025; always check on-site signage or the Bmove app for your date.)

Taxi / Rides

Taxis exist but fleets are limited at peak; pre-book late-night rides or remote-cove returns.

• Confirm price before departing.
• Fares rise after midnight.

Bike / Scooter

Popular in good weather; helmets advised; avoid gravel shortcuts after rain.

• Use lights after dark.
• Watch slick stones.

On Foot

Old towns are compact; waymarked coastal paths link nearby beaches.

• Cobblestones and steps; good shoes help.
• Shaded promenades ease summer heat.

Mode	Pros	Cons	Best For
On Foot	Scenic • free	Steps • slick after rain	Old Town explorers
Bus (Čazmatrans)	Cheap • decent coverage • app discount	Peak crowds • fixed times	Budget day trips
Taxi/Rides	Fast • door-to-door	Pricier at night	Families • luggage
Car	Max flexibility	Parking fees • traffic	Hill towns • remote coves
Bike/Scooter	Fun • coastal paths	Heat • uneven surfaces	Beach hops • park loops
Ferry/Boat	Island access • frequent locals	Weather-dependent • separate operators	Island swims • day cruises

Best time to visit

Two patterns matter: sea & weather (May-June and September bring warm water with tolerable heat) and crowds & prices (July-August peak). Spring is for flowers and hiking; autumn holds warm seas and harvest energy; winter is quiet with limited boats.

Events and nightlife crest in high summer, but Hvar Town now enforces an 85 dB noise cap – outdoor venues moderate volume, and authorities post rules locally.

Quick Picks

• May/June – bloom, swims, open services.
• September – warm sea, calmer evenings.
• July/Aug – events & buzz, premium pricing.
• April/Oct – quieter towns, variable boats.

Month/Season	Temp	Rain	Crowds	Why go
Apr–May	mild→warm	low–mod	rising	Flowers, hiking, value
Jun	warm	low	busy	Beaches before full peak
Jul–Aug	hot	low	peak	Nightlife & events; 85 dB rule
Sep	warm	low–mod	easing	Warm sea, harvest
Oct–Mar	cool	variable	low	Quiet coves, photos

Island Hvar – Food & drink

Hvar’s kitchens lean on the sea: grilled fish, octopus under the bell, black risotto, and the island’s signature gregada – a lemon-bright fish stew. Olive oil, capers, and lavender honey slip into everything from starters to desserts.

Pair plates with local whites (Bogdanuša, Pošip) and sun-baked Plavac Mali reds grown on steep south-coast slopes. Long lunches stretch into golden hours; evenings start late on stone squares.

Hvar & Dalmatia bites highlights:

• Gregada (Hvar fish stew)
• Peka (under-the-bell roast)
• Black risotto (cuttlefish)
• Octopus salad
• Anchovies & capers
• Local olive oil
• Bogdanuša/Pošip whites; Plavac Mali reds

Where we love to eat when in Hvar:

Practical tips

• Water shoes: Rocky entries; watch for sea urchins.
• Sun & wind: Bora can rise fast—pack layers and reef-safe sunscreen.
• Boat returns: Confirm last taxi-boats; carry small cash for piers.
• Driving: Narrow south-coast roads—daylight runs are easier.
• Local rules: Respect posted notices (noise/attire) in town centers.
• Boats & day trips: Seasonal catamarans and local taxi-boats can sell out or shift with weather; book ahead in summer and always reconfirm departure times the day before.

Money & payments

• Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted; keep small cash for kiosks and buses.
• ATMs & DCC: Decline currency conversion offers (pay in €).
• Tipping: Not required; round up or add ~5–10% for standout service.

Sample daily budget (pp)

• Lodging: budget €35–60 • comfort €80–130 • upscale €180–350+ (season swings).
• Meals (3): €25-50 depending on cafés vs. sit-downs.
• Coffee/gelato/beer: €6-12 total across the day.
• Local transport (walk/bus/bike): €0-10 (Hvar island buses are distance-based; examples below).
• Sights/activities (museum/boat/bike): €5-25 (e.g., Hvar fortress/theatre/monuments; Blue Cave ticket is separate and paid on site).
• Extras (snacks/souvenirs): €5-15.

Category	Budget	Comfort	Upscale
Lodging	€35–60	€80–130	€180–350+
Meals	€20–30	€35–55	€70–120
Drinks	€4–8	€8–15	€15–30
Transport (local)	€0–5	€5–10	€10–25
Activities	€0–10	€10–25	€25–60

Sample Family Budget (per day, total for 4)

Food & drink

• Breakfast at bakery/café: €12–20
• Lunch (pizzeria/konoba, shared dishes): €45–65
• Ice cream/coffee: €12–20
• Dinner (family-friendly restaurant, some wine/soft drinks): €80–120
• Daily total: ~€149–225

Local transport

• Mostly walking in the cores (Hvar Town/Stari Grad): Free
• Local/area bus (mix of short hops; buy from driver): ~€10–30
• Occasional taxi/short transfer: €12–25
• Daily total: ~€22–55

Sightseeing & activities

• Hvar sites (e.g., Fortica €10; Theatre €10; Franciscan €7; Cathedral €2): ~€24–40
• Optional: short taxi-boat ride to Pakleni (seasonal; pay on pier): ~€20–40
• Optional: half-day bike rental for 4 (plain city/trek mix): ~€28–48
• Daily total: ~€24–60

Estimated family daily budget: €195–340 (season and dining choices vary). Check official pages for current ticket prices.

Category	Budget	Comfort	Upscale
Food & drink	€100–150	€160–220	€260–420
Transport (local)	€10–20	€20–40	€35–70
Activities	€0–20	€20–60	€60–160
Daily total (4)	€110–190	€200–320	€355–650

Actual costs vary by season and choice of activities; check ticket prices before you go.

Connectivity

• eSIMs work well; hotels/cafés commonly offer free Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi zones are marked on tourist maps.
• Power: EU Type C/F, 230V ~ 50Hz; bring a universal adapter.

Health & safety

• Tap water is generally safe; refill where available.
• Rocky entries and sea urchins: use swim ladders/water shoes.
• Old Town stone gets slick after rain – wear sturdy shoes.
• Limited natural shade on many coves – pack sunscreen and a hat.

Accessibility

• Old Town surface: Hvar Town’s core is paved with polished stone and cobbles; expect occasional slopes and narrow lanes – wheelchairs and strollers benefit from grippy tires and unhurried pacing.
• Step-free promenades: The harborfront/Riva is broadly level and curb-cut in most stretches; side alleys can add single steps or tight pinch points – use the outer waterfront paths when in doubt.
• Gates & lanes: Historic passages sometimes have thresholds or stairs; alternative step-lighter routes usually exist via the main square and seafront paths toward the marina.
• Buses & taxis: Čazmatrans runs the island routes (Hvar-Stari Grad-Jelsa-Vrboska); vehicle accessibility varies – allow buffer time and contact the local operator office for assistance or boarding help.
• Ferries/catamarans: Main operators state non-discrimination and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility; boarding is via ramps but gap/angle depends on sea state – ask staff at the pier for help. (Jadrolinija passenger-rights; TP Line rules/assistance).
• Taxi-boats & tours: Small taxi-boats to the Pakleni Islands often have step-only access and low gunwales; check conditions and request assistance before boarding – consider larger, covered tour boats if stability/handrails are needed.
• Attractions: Several cultural sites are in historic buildings with thresholds and partial access; contact venues ahead for entry options or timed assistance (Arsenal/Theatre, Franciscan Monastery, HVAR1612 sites list contacts).
• Beaches: Entries are typically pebbly or stepped; bring water shoes. Some developed spots like Bonj have hard-surface walkways and facilities that can suit limited mobility, staff can advise the easiest entry points.
• Facilities: Accessible toilets are limited in the old core; use museum/café facilities when available (call ahead where possible – contacts via the Tourist Board’s listings).
• Parking: Blue-Badge/disabled EU parking cards are recognised in Croatia, use signed bays marked with the wheelchair symbol. In Hvar Town, central car parks sit just outside the pedestrian core; you can pay at machines or via the Bmove app.
• Quick tip: Map a step-friendlier loop along the waterfront promenades and outer streets for smoother surfaces, then dip into central squares as comfort allows; for boats, speak to crew at the dock – assistance is routine on the main catamarans.

Handy phrases

Dobar dan (hello) • Hvala (thank you) • Molim (please/you’re welcome) • Koliko košta? (How much is it?)

FAQ

FAQ table

Question	Short Answer
Where are Hvar’s signature sights?	Cathedral & square, Arsenal + Theatre, and Fortica hilltop view.
Which islands are easiest?	Pakleni Islands by taxi-boat (≈10–25 mins).
Airport to Hvar?	Split Airport shuttle → Split Port → catamaran to Hvar Town.
Do I need a car?	No for hubs/Pakleni; scooter/car helps for south-coast coves.
City pass?	No; buy single/combined site tickets.
Family friendly?	Yes, base in Jelsa or Vrboska for calm/easy beaches.
Blue Cave from Hvar?	Speedboat tour; pay Blue Cave ticket on site (€24/€18; kids €12/€9).
Must-see sights?	Fortica, Arsenal & Theatre, Franciscan Monastery, Stari Grad & Plain.
How many days?	2-3 for highlights; 4-5 with south coast or Blue Cave.
Is Hvar safe?	Generally yes, use normal city sense; follow posted rules.
Can I swim?	Yes, mostly pebble/rock entries; water shoes help.
Getting around without a car?	Walk towns; buses between hubs; taxi-boats for Pakleni; catamarans for hops.
Best easy island hop?	Pakleni (Palmizana/Sv. Klement) for lunch + swims.
Any local rules?	Summer 85 dB cap; modest attire in town centers – watch posted notices.
Seasonal tips?	Jul-Aug = busy/pricey; May-Jun/Sep = best balance, always confirm ferry times.

Official resources referenced in this guide

Hvar Tourist Board – official visitor info, town sights, logistics. Visit Hvar

Cultural Public Institution “HVAR 1612” – official tickets for Fortica, Theatre, Loggia/Leroj HVAR 1612 – For Visitors

Town of Hvar – municipal announcements & local regulations. Grad Hvar

Split-Hvar fast catamaran (Line 641) – sailing schedule & price list. Jadrolinija

Split–Hvar catamaran (Line 652) – 2025 timetable & price list PDF. TP Line

Island buses (Čazmatrans) – official 2025 bus timetable PDF for Hvar–Stari Grad–Jelsa–Vrboska. Stari Grad Tourist Board

UNESCO Stari Grad Plain – World Heritage listing & OUV. UNESCO WHC

Grapčeva Cave (Humac tours) – official tour days, contacts, notes. Visit Jelsa

Split Airport (SPU) – to/from the airport & transport. Split Airport

Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board – regional overview for Hvar & Pakleni. Dalmatia.hr

Blue Cave (Biševo) – official 2025 entrance fee price lists. bluecave-bisevo.com

Read more about other popular destinations in Croatia on our guide.